IHSA Guidance on Precautions for Transport Drivers During COVID-19

Employers and constructors have obligations to protect workers from hazards in the workplace as set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations and the directives coming from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Deferral of Regulation allowing switch in the cab in SPIF vehicles

On July 1, 2019, O.Reg.413/05 was modified to allow self-steer axles to be lifted in emergency situations via controls installed in the cab of Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly (SPIF) trucks or tractors. As you might know, the modifications came as a result of a third party completed regulatory review; Impact of Regulation 413/05 VWD for SPIF Vehicles, on the Goods Movement Industry in Ontario.

The modification requires an independent switch to lift the self-steering axle in the trailer from the cab of tractor or truck in emergency situations while activating the 4-way flashers. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) have only recently expressed that meeting the provisions of the regulatory conditions is possible, but would require about one year to plan, engineer and implement a proper technical solution.

In response to the manufacturers’ difficulties, the Ministry will defer enforcement of the regulations governing the in-cab emergency override controls until November 1st, 2020. This will give the time required for manufacturers to produce and pilot beta technology to a more workable solution that meets the needs of both road safety standards and the regulatory regime.

Axle Weight Pilot Complete: Work on a Solution Continues!

The Axle Weight Pilot came to close at the end of 2018. Thank you to all those who participated.

The OSSGA Transportation group is now working with the Ministry of Transportation translating the learnings from the data collection into a viable solution for axle weight enforcement in Ontario.

While the COVID-19 Pandemic has put added pressures on us all, this work is continuing and we will update you as we have more information.